Tobacco Topics : Youth Prevention

Tobacco prevention programs that include a strong youth empowerment component have achieved enormous reductions in adolescent smoking rates. In Florida, smoking rates dropped 50 percent in middle schools and 35 percent in high schools four years after they instituted a strong youth-led campaign. Other states have also achieved dramatic declines in youth smoking using similar, youth-driven approaches.

Did you know?

Nearly every adult who smokes (almost 90%) took his or her first puff at or before the age of 18.
31% of American Indian and Alaska Native youth report having used some form of tobacco in the last month.

Why?

Teens and Young Adults are:
• Smart
• Fun
• Full of passion and energy
• Effective spokespeople and community advocates
• Able to increase community awareness

How?

Teens and Young Adults:
• Increase community awareness
• Provide student-to-student trainings
• Serve as positive roll models for younger community members
• Reach media sources and policy makers that may not be influenced by adults.

Successful youth development programs:
• Give youth a voice in issues that affect them
• Give decision-making power to youth
• Make the project fun
• Offer meaningful opportunities to build new skills and experiences
• Provide a safe and positive environment
• Encourage youth and adult partnerships
• Offer training that is relevant, experiential and interactive
• Provide opportunities for reflection and feedback
• Acknowledge the efforts of youth, personally and publicly

What is the Benefit?

Teen involvement in tobacco control:
• Provides them with an enriching leadership experience
• Helps them develop skills in public speaking, event planning, and community health advocacy
• Provides tobacco programs with new perspectives, energy, and enthusiasm